PhD Studentship in Human-Computer Interaction and Critical Computing
The Department of Computer Science and Technology (CST) at the University of Cambridge is offering a funded doctoral studentship within the Aspirational Computing Lab under the supervision of Dr. Katie Seaborn. This 3.5-year PhD program focuses on launching a “deceptive by design” research project at the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Critical Computing.
Overview Table
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Designation | PhD Studentship / Doctoral Researcher |
| Research Group | Aspirational Computing Lab |
| Department | Department of Computer Science and Technology (CST) |
| Host Institution | University of Cambridge |
| Location | Cambridge, United Kingdom |
| Duration | 3.5 Years (Fixed Term) |
| Funding Coverage | Home Rate Studentship available / University Funding Competition |
| Reference Code | NR50923 |
| Application Deadline | Check Cambridge Postgraduate Portal for upcoming round dates |
Research Area
The PhD project seeks to investigate deception, persuasion, and critical computing within digital interfaces and AI systems. Potential topics of interest include:
- Persuasion and deception in conversational agents across text, voice, and multimodal interfaces.
- Drivers of influence and over-trust in disarming, charming conversational agents.
- Interventions against interface deception (dark patterns), digital addiction, or overreliance on technology.
- Broader critical computing areas including equality, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I / DEI), accessibility, inclusive design, intersectionality, trans/gender studies, and misinformation.
Scholarship Description
The successful candidate will work closely with Dr. Seaborn and senior researchers during the first six months to receive training in relevant research methods. In the subsequent stages, the researcher will lead their independent doctoral dissertation, contribute to lab outreach, participate in collaborative research, and have the opportunity to engage in undergraduate supervision and small-group teaching.
Applicants are expected to apply through the University Funding Competitions. If unsuccessful in the university-wide competition, a Home Rate Studentship (covering home tuition fees and stipend for 3.5 years) may be awarded directly. International candidates awarded a home-rate studentship would need to self-fund the difference between home and international fees.
Eligibility and Qualifications
- Academic Degree: A First-Class Honours degree (or international equivalent) in Computer Science, HCI, Design, Psychology, or a related field. A Master’s-level degree is highly desirable.
- Domain Knowledge: Strong understanding of HCI fundamentals, user-centred design, and familiarity with deception in computing.
- Methodological Skills: Solid understanding of research methods with human participants (especially experimental design) and data analysis (e.g., R, thematic analysis).
- Technical/Design Competencies: Practical skills in at least two of the following: (a) programming/machine learning, (b) interaction design, or (c) research design.
- Communication: Proven ability to work collaboratively across interdisciplinary teams and diverse backgrounds.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to submit your application for the PhD studentship:
- Contact Supervisor in Advance: Email Dr. Katie Seaborn at katie.seaborn@cst.cam.ac.uk before applying. Familiarize yourself with the Aspirational Computing Lab website and show clear engagement with the lab’s ongoing research.
- Prepare Documents: Prepare your academic transcripts, CV, and contact details for 2 academic referees.
- Prepare Research Proposal: A single PDF containing a ~2-page research proposal, a ~1-page outline of first-year deliverables, and bibliographic references on a fourth page.
- Submit Online Application: Apply via the Cambridge Postgraduate Applicant Portal for the PhD in Computer Science. Quote reference code NR50923 in the Research Topic field to route the file directly to Dr. Seaborn.
Important: All application statements and research proposals must be written entirely without AI assistance.
Application Link
For official course specifications and to submit your application online, visit the University of Cambridge Postgraduate Admissions Portal.
